When we are exploring the world from a place of discomfort, that is usually when we will be learning the most.
@TheMinimalists

Hey, I’m Christian – Software Developer, Consultant, Allround-Geek, REWORKer, Cyclist, Minimalist, Climate advocate, Food lover, Father of two girls. I love solving problems, building great software, and making the world a little better along the way.

Professional ExpertisePermalink

• Diploma in Computer Science
• Freelancer with over 25 years of project experience in the IT business.
• Speaker and author
• Project management and product responsibility for a healthcare software used nationwide in Germany. Led project teams of up to 10 members.

I bring deep expertise across a wide range of technologies and methodologies:

• Cloud computing, high-performance/availability hosting, and security.
• Modern development paradigms such as remote-first workflows, open-source principles, microservice architecture, agile methodologies, test-driven development, object-oriented design, automation, and CI/CD.
• Web and cloud infrastructure, including API-driven systems (REST, GraphQL), scalable web apps (SPA, serverless, PaaS/SaaS), Linux environments, containerization, and cloud platforms.
• Programming in Ruby, JavaScript, and Python, with extensive experience in modern frameworks and relational/non-relational databases. Developing with Ruby and Rails since Version 3 (2012).
• Open-source tools and frameworks, ensuring high-quality, flexible, and scalable solutions through transparent and community-driven resources.
• AI and conversational interfaces, including chatbot development, AI-based API integration, and work with open-source language models, orchestration frameworks, and local inference runtimes.
• APIs and libraries for social media integration, payment processing, translation, mapping & geolocation, data visualization/animation, authentication & security, background processing, and modern frontend/backend frameworks.
• Tools and platforms for version control, automated testing, CI/CD, performance monitoring, CMS & static site generation, DevOps & infrastructure, logging, team collaboration, and code quality assurance.

I am highly self-motivated and organized, with a strong focus on clear communication and well-structured documentation. I approach projects with initiative, discipline, and a drive to create maintainable, transparent solutions that support both teams and long-term goals.

ServicesPermalink

Software DevelopmentPermalink

I transform ideas into fully functional web applications, streamline business processes, and automate workflows.

Consulting & FreelancingPermalink

I offer remote consulting and development services, supporting teams with my expertise in coding, architecture, and problem-solving.

Product DevelopmentPermalink

I assist in developing MVPs and complete products, ensuring high-quality development aligned with best practices.

TechnologiesPermalink

I specialize in modern web technologies, especially Ruby on Rails, delivering efficient and scalable solutions.

Selected ClientsPermalink

Airbus, Asklepios Clinics, Badgepoint, Bauer Verlag, Bayer, Bechtle, Beiersdorf, Bellicon, DNV GL, Dortmund Municipal Clinics, E.ON, ECE, ESN, Experian, Fielmann, Financescout24, GlaxoSmithKline, Grone Schule, Hamburg Port Authority, HighCoordination, Hoechst, IBM csg, Krüss Optronic, LANXESS, Lehnkering, Lippold, MAN Ferrostaal, SAP, Shell, Social Media Week, Thalia, TUI, University Hospitals Münster & Hannover, Wein Wolf

Reference ProjectsPermalink

Take a look at selected projects.

Client quotesPermalink

“Professional and objective. Thank you, great job, well done!”
Rainer Thiemann, Architect, TBR Thiemann Brose Rittich, Hamburg

“Christian is motivated, curious, and enthusiastic. He constantly familiarizes himself with new technologies to offer them to his clients.”
Christof Lippold, Managing Director, Lippold GmbH, Hamburg

“Christian is a calm, logically reasoning, and pleasant conversation partner who understands how to efficiently and effectively translate customer needs into technical/digital solutions.”
Michael Niemeier, Marketing Manager, DNV GL SE, Essen

“We have been working very well and trustfully together for years. Christian is well-versed in all the latest trends and topics in software development and DevOps. You can have great discussions with him about new ideas and their feasibility.”
Johannes Heimann, Managing Director, Carl Group, Hamburg

“Christian re-implemented our outdated project management and invoicing system based on the latest web technologies. Besides the professional development in terms of time, budget, and quality, his customer-oriented consulting stands out, as he designed an optimal and tailored solution for us. Moreover, the project was really fun – thank you for that!”
Peter Ellerau, Managing Director, HighCoordination GmbH, Radolfzell

“Christian played various project roles and focused on tasks for the product KARLA with maximum competence. In technical conception, he acted as the sole mastermind (Backend, Frontend, Database, Deployment, Security, Testing, Automation). In both conception and implementation, we greatly benefited from his ability to effortlessly switch between the developer, architect, customer, and user perspectives – always getting straight to the point. For the PO and project management, his methodological and technical expertise was a real asset!”
Fabian Hager, Digital Domain Lead, E.KUNDENSERVICE Netz GmbH, Landshut

“For one of our larger clients, we were looking for a highly experienced and technically skilled senior developer with strong consulting expertise. We are extremely satisfied to have started a very fruitful and relaxed, yet highly efficient collaboration with Christian. The agile project ran very smoothly across the entire team and was significantly strengthened by Christian’s exceptional communication skills and his many years of technical experience.”
André Wehrhahn, Produktmanager ESN EnergieSysteme Nord GmbH, Schwentinental

Professional JourneyPermalink

1985 – 1990Permalink

Computer Science Studies
University of Applied Sciences Wedel
Degree: Diplom-Informatiker (equivalent to M.Sc.)

1994 – 2009Permalink

CEO & Partner: OTT | BENDER | PARTNER, Hamburg
Executive management, project and team leadership, concept development, marketing, software development, support
Note: Company sold, exited in 2009

2005 – 2017Permalink

CTO / CISO, Consultant, Architect, Developer: EDIT GmbH, Hamburg
Strategy, security analysis, forensics, hosting, cloud migration, custom development, third-level support, content management, monitoring

2009 – 2013Permalink

Head of Infrastructure, Hosting & Security: Digital District GmbH / razorish Healthcare, Düsseldorf
Strategy, fullstack development, hosting, content management, mobile web applications

2011 – PresentPermalink

Head of Software Development: Carl Group, Hamburg
Concept design, UI/UX, fullstack development, hosting, security, social media APIs, payment integration, bots, mobile web applications, monitoring, AI

2010 – PresentPermalink

Consultant, Developer, Cloud Architect, Speaker
Strategy, fullstack development, cloud migration, hosting, content management, mobile web applications, AI

InterestsPermalink

I love living simply and enjoy hobbies like photography, cooking, playing guitar, music. Traveling is a big passion of mine, and I prefer trains over planes to keep it sustainable. Being outdoors is where I feel most at home – whether it’s cycling long distances, hiking, or climbing, I’m always up for an adventure.

What’s most important to me? My family, protecting the climate, and pushing for renewable energy, good cycling infrastructure and greener ways to get around.

What frustrates me? Unreliability, poor time management, and oversized cars.

• Sponsor at Plan International Germany e.V.
• Board member of the non-profit organization Bürgerrunde Heuweiler e.V.

StatsPermalink

From code to kilometers, here’s my journey in numbers:

25+ years experience in IT
Dozens of presentations, workshops and talks made
2009, year since working with cloud, AWS, heroku
280 customers of own software product in healthcare
150.000+ pages CMS managed and operated
2003, year since working with CMS like TYPO3, etc.
1 product killed before launch
10+ open source projects contributed to
12+ years since developing with Ruby/Rails
Millions of social media messages processed via APIs
5 publications in professional journals
4 marathons and half marathons run
~10000 km on the bicycle per year

Some historic notes.